Already well-known as a business travel destination, Doha - capital of the State of Qatar - has emerged in recent years as a rapidly developing leisure tourism destination as well.

A dynamic modern country built on the deep cultural roots of its Bedouin heritage, Qatar presents visitors with a kaleidoscope of fascinating contrasts and experiences, from tranquility of desert to lively alleys of souq, the impressive coastal fortresses to dramatic high-rise towers, deserted sandy beaches and mangrove lagoons to elegant residential districts, green parks and luxury hotels.

Bank open from 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM on Sunday to Thursday while some banks open until 10:00 PM. Supermarket open from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM every day while some supermarkets open until 10:00 PM.

2.69 million (2018)

Doha City

Doha is an attractive and clean city, home to more than half of the nation's population, as well as the majority of Qatar’s hotels, shopping malls, museums, sporting facilities and other tourist attractions.

The city presents a modern face to the world with many traditional and historic features. There is plenty of evidence of Qatar's rapid economic growth in the number of major projects under construction.

The center of the city backs the waterfront Corniche, which extends around the length of the semi-circular Doha Bay.

Central Business District

Al Bidda/ Souq District

West Bay

Aspire Zone

Al Rayyan

Outside the City

Beaches

Sand Desert

Do & See

Doha Corniche

Museum of Islamic Art

Souq Waqif

Desert Safaris

Dhow Cruises

Katara Cultural Village

The Pearl-Qatar

City Highlights Tours

Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)

Al Zubarah

Sports

Dining

Qatar offers a remarkable variety of culinary options. Many restaurants offer an authentic taste of Arabia and the Middle East cuisine from throughout the region including North Africa, Lebanon, Egypt and Iran. But all the major cuisines of the world are also well represented, from French and Italian to Chinese, Japanese and Indian. Likewise, options range from formal fine dining to relaxed fast food outlets and coffee shops.

Many top restaurants can be found in Qatar’s hotels including The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village. The following selection represents just a small sample of Doha's outstanding restaurant options.

La Piazza

Al Sultan Brahim

Spice Market

Caminito

Three Sixty

Isaan Thai Restaurant

Saffron Lounge

Gordon Ramsay

Al Bandar

Opal by Gordon Ramsay

The Anvil Rooms

The Village

Al Adhamiyah

Burj Al Hamam

Carluccio's

Mamig

Cafes

Café culture is alive and well in Doha. One of the most popular leisure pastimes among Qataris and expatriate residents alike is to spend a relaxing hour or two over coffee and maybe a pastry with friends, discussing the issues of the day and putting the world to rights. Why don’t you join them? Here is a small selection of some of the city’s fine range of cafes.

Khan Farouk Tarab Café

La Patisserie

Torch Tea Garden

Tim Hortons

Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar

Red Velvet Cupcakery

Chapati & Karak

Shopping

Doha is a shopper’s paradise offering visitors an array of experiences and options, from the comfort and elegance of spacious modern shopping malls to more typically Middle Eastern experience and ambience to be found in the souqs.

Why not try both? The malls are ideal for picking out fashion items and international brands at competitive prices. The souqs are perfect for finding regional souvenirs and gift items while enjoying a taste of Qatari street life.

Souq Waqif

Falcon Souq

Najima Second-Hand Market

Al Asmakh Mall

Villaggio Mall

City Center Doha

Ezdan Mall

The Pearl-Qatar

Omani Souq

Family Bookshop

The Gate Mall

Landmark Mall

Royal Plaza

Essential Information

Passport / Visa

Visitors from all around the world can enter Qatar either visa free, or by filling out simple online applications, depending on the passport they carry.

Nationals of more than 80 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar, with varying allowable lengths of stay. With a valid passport of a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed return ticket, people from the eligible countries can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar without any prior visa arrangements.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Qatar are November to early April as the milder weather conditions allow for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer months from June to September are very hot with minimum rainfall, so these can be difficult, especially so if you're sensitive to high temperatures.

Airport

Located in the capital city of Qatar, Hamad International Airport is the international airport of Doha which hosts many airlines from around the world and provides a wide range of services like banking and currency exchange service, parents room and medical assistance.

Doha’s bus network connects Hamad International Airport to various destinations across the city and all buses depart from Bus Pavilion that is located to the right of the arrivals hall.

Address: Hamad International Airport, Doha

Website: https://dohahamadairport.com

Public Transport

Hiring car

Many local and international car hire companies operate in Qatar. Hirer will be required for a credit card, passport copy and a valid driving licence from their home country or international permit.

Bus

Although buses are not widely used by tourists, the service of many buses are modern, clean and air-conditioned. Fares within the city are around QAR3 to QAR9 depending on the distance, and fares outside town are reasonably priced.

Taxi

Most visitors take taxis to go around Doha. Karwa taxis are widely available and reasonably priced and their meters start at QAR 4 and run at QAR1.2 per km. To order a taxi in advance, please call +974 4458 8888.

Pharmacy

There are no major health risks and no special inoculations required by visitors. There are many well-stocked pharmacies with English speaking staff throughout Doha city, while some open for the whole day.

The country code for Qatar is +974. Telecom providers Ooredoo and Vodafone offer pre-paid and post-paid mobile services. Wi-fi broadband hotspots are available across the country and are easily accessible at hotels and public places.